Anthem to Discontinue Ohio Individual ACA Health Plans in 2018

October 10, 2017

Message from Steve Martenet,

President of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Ohio

For more than 75 years, we’ve been proud to offer affordable health plans that give Ohioans access to quality health care. In 2013, when the Affordable Care Act (ACA) started, we created a new set of quality, affordable health plans to offer consumers through the Health Insurance Marketplace, also called the exchange.

But the market for these plans has become unstable. And with federal rules and guidance changing, it’s no longer possible for us to offer those plans.

Starting in 2018, we will no longer offer on- or off-exchange ACA individual health plans

This is not an easy decision for us. We know that changes like these can have a real impact on the people we serve. Nothing will change for this year. Beginning on January 1, 2018, we’ll no longer offer on- or off-exchange individual health plans in Ohio. This doesn’t impact people with Anthem’s employer-based, Medicare Advantage, dental or vision plans, and it does not impact individuals or families whose plans are “grandfathered” or “grandmothered” (grandfathered plans must have been purchased prior to March 23, 2010, and grandmothered plans must have been purchased by December 2013).

We’re committed to helping you find health plan options for 2018 and beyond, and we’ll continue to work hard to find new ways to keep health care benefits affordable. As we get closer to open enrollment, we’ll update this page with new information. So you may want to bookmark it to return here easily. In the meantime, if you have questions, please take a look at the frequently asked questions (FAQs) and links to other resources below.

Q: I have an Anthem individual ACA health plan — when do I have to find new coverage?

A: Nothing is changing with your Anthem ACA health plan in 2017. Later this year, you’ll have to shop for a new plan for 2018. You’ll do this during the open enrollment period starting November 1. Affected members will receive an official notice that their plan is ending, along with information on options for next year.

Q: How and when will members who are affected be notified?

If this affects you, Anthem will mail you a letter explaining the changes. You’ll also get information about options available in 2018 during open enrollment.

Q: I didn’t switch to an ACA plan, my individual health plan is grandfathered/grandmothered. Does this affect me?

A: No, this change affects Anthem’s ACA individual health plans only.

Q: Is Anthem also discontinuing individual dental and vision plans in Ohio?